Computer Architecture Flashcards
What is the Von Neumann Architecture?
Data and instructions stored on the same memory chip
What is the accumulator used for?
Temporarily storing arithmetic and logic results
What does the program counter do?
Points to the next instruction that needs to be executed
Where is the program counter located?
In the Control Unit
What is the memory data register used for?
Used for holding the actual instruction or data that is stored in the RAM
What is the memory address register used for?
Holding the address of the current instruction to be executed, and the address of data to be used in instruction
How does clock speed affect performance?
It increases the speed of the CPU’s instruction processing
How does cache size affect performance?
It reduces the fetching time to the processor
How does the number of cores affect performance?
More instructions can be processed in a given amount of time
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is memory supported by data held in secondary storage
Magnetic Storage Devices Advantages
Fairly durable
Cheap
Large storage
Fast write speed
Non volatile (?)
Magnetic Storage Devices Disadvantages
Many moving parts that can break
Sealed unit
Not easily portable
Optical Storage Devices Advantages
Cheap
Durable
Portable
Non volatile
Optical Storage Devices Disadvantages
Slower
Solid State Devices Advantages
Durable
No moving parts
Faster start up times
